NGOs are an important part of society: WYF participants

CAIRO – 8 November 2017: When society organizations agree on a joint agenda for their goals, everything becomes easier and faster, prominent participants of ‘Role of civil society organizations (CSOs) concurred. They work more efficiently in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) sessions as part of the fourth day of the World Youth Forum (WYF) in Sharm El-Sheikh.

In the fourth day of the forum, several representatives from governmental bodies, private sectors, and NGOs were speaking about how all of the state’s bodies can collaborate on implementing a fixed agenda in order to reach the optimal formats of ‘team work’ in favor of the state’s sustainable development goals.

Speaking during the session, Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Waly said that about 40,000 NGOs are supposed to be working all over the state. However, not all of them are fully active.

Waly affirmed that NGOs participated as main partners in implementing the state’s strategy of 2030. “About LE 10 billion are spent annually by NGOs on their goals that include education, health, economy, eliminating poverty, environment and climate change,” she said.

In her speech, Waly also explained that all of the listed associations affiliated with the ministry are working on 17 points as part of the state’s 2030 strategy to achieve sustainable development.

Most of the NGOs work mainly in Cairo, Alexandria and Giza governorates; however other associations in the countryside cities have an effective role within their regions as well.

“We consider NGOs as an executive partner for our duties and goals not just a separate entity that works independently,” Waly said concluding her speech.

Several participants started talking about their experiences and their countries; however they all affirmed the importance of NGOs in society; especially their ability in resolving crises swiftly.

One of the speakers marked the history of the NGOs work in Egypt, saying that it started nearly 200 years ago. However, NGOs started to develop into institutional forms later on. Also during the 1950s, NGOs’ work witnessed a huge developmental turn from being a social responsibility into more than just a volunteering role.

The WYF, which launched on Sunday, is a forum designed to give youth from all over the world the chance to be heard by world leaders and influential individuals. Egypt’s first international youth event is set to run until 10 November. The event brings together 3,000 youth represented by 60 delegations from around the world.